UNION FLAG - 9 QUICK FACTS

2. It represents the union of the countries. It's made up of the individual flags of three countries:

England (St. George's Cross)

Scotland (the Saltire/ St. Andrew's Cross)

Northern Ireland (St. Patrick's Cross)

3. The first version of the Flag was created in 1606. We can say it was 'designed' by King James I and VI (he was King James I of England and King James VI of Scotland). It was the King who wanted to have one flag that would combine, or represent the nations he ruled.

4. The Flag was used for the first time on 12th April 1606. It looked like this:

5. There's no Welsh flag on the Union Jack. When the Union Flag was created Wales was united with England, and it wasn't a separate principality. But I personally think that the Union Flag would look extraordinary with a dragon :D

6. The Union Jack should actually be called the Union Flag. According to the tradition, only when it's being flown at sea, in the bows of a warship then it's the Union Jack.

7. In the past, the Union Jack used to be called: 'the Jack', 'Jack flag', 'the King's Jack'. And, in 1674 it was formally referred to as 'His Majesty's Jack'.

8. Today, 23 countries feature the Union Flag, for instance:

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

TUVALU

CAYMAN ISLANDS

FIJI

ANGUILLA

MONTSERRAT

9. If you can see the Union Flag above Buckingham Palace it means that the Queen is not there. However, if the Royal Standard is flying above the residence, then you can be sure the Queen is there :D